WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-15) introduced the bipartisan Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, legislation that provides expedited tax relief for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines.

The legislation, H.R. 3771 was co-authored by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA-15), Darrell Issa (R-CA-49) and Joe Heck (R-NV-3).

A Senate companion bill was introduced by Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV).

While there was an immediate outpouring of donations and other assistance following the Typhoon Haiyan this November, the length of the rebuilding process means contributions are still needed now and in the months ahead.

This bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts to receive tax benefits nearly a year faster than usual.

“When tragedy strikes around the world, the folks in our country don’t sit on the sideline – they help,” said Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5). “Our allies in the Philippines are still in the early stages of a long-term rebuilding effort and this bipartisan legislation will make sure that our communities are able to provide the help our friends need during this important phase of rebuilding and recovery.”

The tax code provides a delayed incentive for making charitable contributions. Taxpayers can claim a tax deduction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year.

The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act eliminates this delay. The bill would allow taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philippines before March 1, 2014 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns.

H.R. 3771 was referred to the House Committee on the Budget and the House Committee on Ways and Means, on which Thompson serves as a senior member.

Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center will continue regular operational hours through Saturday, Dec. 21.

Regular hours through Dec. 21 are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

The center will be closed from Dec. 22 through Jan. 7 for a holiday break.

It will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 8, and resume regular hours.

The Calpine staff wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and they look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Delta Iota Tau, a Lake County Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, sells See's Candy all year through North Lake Medical Pharmacy, located in the Bruno’s Shop Smart Center on Lakeport Boulevard.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 16, they will be selling See's Candy inside Bruno’s Shop Smart from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Currently, North Lake Medical Pharmacy has received a new shipment of candy which is available for purchase during their store hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The money raised through these sales enables Delta Iota Tau to make a variety of community donations all year long.

All monies raised are donated to Lake County residents and organizations only.

Donations since November of 2012 have been made to Clear Lake High School scholarships, Operation Tango Mike, Wreaths Across America, Sponsoring Survivorship, Miss Lake County Pageant, Lakeport Senior Center Meals on Wheels, Lakeport Toys for Tots, Clear Lake High School Sober Grad Night and the Every 15 Minute Program at Clear Lake High.

A new program initiated by Sorority Sister Dana Kearney for 2013 has been putting on monthly birthday parties for families staying at the Lake Family Resource Center.

When the public purchases See's Candy from Delta Iota Tau please remember that the purchases provide far more joy than to the person who receives the candy.

“Many deserving people benefit from your purchase of See’s Candy, far more than you may imagine, and thank you for supporting our community giving,” said Chapter President Maura Anderson.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Green Party of Lake County will hold its next meeting on Sunday, Dec. 15.

The meeting will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Round Table Pizza, 821 11th St. in Lakeport.

The subject will be disaster preparedness with speaker Betsy Cawn, a local activist.

All are welcome.

For more information call 707-263-3391 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Visit the California Green Party Web site at www.cagreens.org .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The regular meeting of the Clearlake Planning Commission, set for Tuesday, Dec. 17, has been canceled.

The commission's next regularly scheduled meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Public Services Director Caroline Chavez has announced holiday hours for garbage disposal and curbside service.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

• The Eastlake Landfill, the Public Services Office, and Quakenbush Resource & Recovery Facility are closed. The Lakeport Transfer Station is open.

Regular curbside garbage service is scheduled.

Wednesday, Dec. 25

• All facilities are closed, and there is no garbage pickup. Wednesday pickup will be delayed until Thursday.

Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27

• All offices and disposal facilities are open, but curbside service is delayed one day. Normal Thursday pickup will be Friday; normal Friday pickup will be Saturday.

Christmas tree dropoff and curbside pickup

• Free dropoff of Christmas trees starts Friday, Dec. 27, and continues through Saturday, Jan. 11. Dropoff sites include the Lakeport Transfer Station and the recycling yard at the entrance of the Eastlake Landfill.

Curbside pickup is available for residential customers beginning, Dec. 27, and continuing through Friday, Jan. 10.

Place your tree in to your green waste container on your regular pick up day make sure the tree is a loose fit and the lid will shut.

Please remove all ornaments, lights and tinsel for all Christmas tree recycling, no flocked trees will be accepted.

For more information visit the county Web site at www.recycling.co.ca.us or call 707-262-1618.